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Ascorbic Acid (E300) — What You Need to Know

Safe(10/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Ascorbic Acid?

Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C, one of the most essential nutrients for human health. As a food additive, it serves primarily as an antioxidant to prevent browning and oxidation, extending the shelf life of foods. It is found naturally in citrus fruits, berries, and many vegetables. The commercial form used in food is typically synthesized from glucose but is chemically identical to the naturally occurring vitamin.

What Is It Used For?

Prevents browning and oxidation in cut fruits, juices, jams, and canned goods. Used as a dough improver in bread baking. Fortifies foods and beverages with vitamin C. Extends shelf life of meat products.

Function: Antioxidant, acidity regulator, vitamin C
100 mg
Dataset exposure estimate

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
No ADI established — considered safe without a defined limit
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized
⚠️ Key Concerns

Extremely safe at food additive levels. Very high supplemental doses (above 2,000 mg/day) may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and potentially increase risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. At normal dietary and food additive levels, no concerns exist.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Ascorbic Acid an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 10/10. This is 2.9 points above the database average for antioxidants (7.1/10). Dataset reference year: 2015.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Fruit juicesBreadCerealsBaby foodCanned vegetablesDietary supplements
Example brands:
TropicanaQuaker Oats

Always check the label for E300 or 'Ascorbic Acid'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C6H8O6
Molecular Weight: 176.12 g/mol
CAS Number: 50-81-7
INS Number: 300
Also known as: E300, INS 300, Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Ascorbic Acid

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS; EFSA/EU — Authorized. Reported concerns: Extremely safe at food additive levels. Very high supplemental doses (above 2,000 mg/day) may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and potentially increase risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. At normal dietary and food additive levels, no concerns exist. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E300
INS Number
300
Category
Antioxidants
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS
EFSA Status
Authorized
ADI
No limit
Dataset Review
2015
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other antioxidants in the same family

Sodium Ascorbate (E301)